Trails to Terror

You feel the chill in the air, that spooky tingle at the base of your spine, the growing sense of dread in the pit of your stomach. You know it's coming, and your ass had better be prepared. We're not talking about yet another numbskull Adam Sandler flick, pal. Nope, it's Halloween, and it's the one time of year when it's okay to down drinks and debauch in decadence while in disguise. Sure, there are plenty of other "drinking holidays" scattered throughout the year for you to tie one on, but you usually can't drop into Dos Gringos on Cinco de Mayo dressed as Darth Vader. Speaking of which, consider exchanging said dorky duds for something more impressive and stylish, because it won't cut the mustard at any of countless costume contests or other Halloween events and celebrations to be had across the Valley from Thursday, October 27, through Monday, October 31. Since you'll probably be out this weekend in search of the happening hootenannies (unless sitting at home doling out Snickers is your idea of fun), we've assembled a superstar selection of the more bangin' bashes for your perusal. Whether you're a punky pagan out to celebrate Samhain or some slinky Scottsdale siren, we've got all the new Halloween hotness.

Events and Happenings -- Thursday, October 27:

Fiddlesticks8800 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdalewww.fiddlesticksaz.com
Haunted Laser Tag in a terrifying two-story maze with surprises around every corner. $6. Open daily through Monday, October 31. Call 480-951-6060 for park hours.

Glendale Public Library -- Foothills Branch19055 North 57th Avenue, Glendale
Paranormal investigators from the Arizona Desert Ghost Hunters will discuss various sightings, and will also present photographic and audio evidence of spooks and spirits. 7 p.m. Free. Call 623-930-3846.

Rawhide Wild West Town23023 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdalewww.rawhide.com
Ghastly ghouls and grisly goblins roam the streets during Doomtown, the Western town's annual ooky event. Guests can also visit the Train of Terror, the Mine of Misfortune, the Haunted Hotel, and the Forsaken Souls of Vengeance, and participate in various midway games. 6 to 10 p.m. Runs nightly through Monday, October 31. $5 to $8, $20 for admission to all four attractions. Call 480-502-5600.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts7380 East Second Street, Scottsdalewww.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
The Virginia G. Piper Theater presents a reinterpretation of Mary Shelley's classic, transforming the story into The Flying Machine's Frankenstein, a "dark, midwinter's fairy tale" with live music, found objects, and physical performance. 7:30 p.m. Performances also run at 8 p.m. Friday, October 28; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, October 29; and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 30. $42. Call 480-994-2787.

Bars and Clubs -- Thursday, October 27:

Anderson's Fifth Estate6820 East Fifth Avenue, Scottsdalewww.a5e.net
Death Cab for Cutie and Goth Halloween Bash with DJ Manchester and four other mixmasters spinning, as well as a CD release party for Depeche Mode's latest disc. 8 p.m. $5. Call 480-994-4168.

The Real Bar5014 South Price Road, Tempewww.therealbar.com
Combination Halloween and CD release party for Mourning Maxwell, with additional live music by Fourbanger, Before Braille, Haffo, Facing New York, and Exit Broadway, as well as prizes for best costume, and a free CD with admission. 7 p.m. $7 under 21, $5 over 21. Call 480-897-1466.

Events and Happenings -- Friday, October 28:

The Brickhouse Theatre1 East Jackson Street
Leche Boo Fool Art Lounge with music by NYC DJ Sucio Smash, and new work from such artists as Isaac Fortoul and Bobby Castaneda. 9 p.m. $12 with costume, $14 without. Call 602-252-0792.

Four White Walls1023 Grand Avenuewww.fourwhitewalls.net
Skaloween with music from Big Spender, Troy's Bucket, Class Act, and Haffo, as well as a costume contest and free trick-or-treat bags. 7 p.m. $8. Call 602-705-4936.

Fright NightStetson Drive between Drinkwater Boulevard and Wells Fargo Avenue, Scottsdalewww.comforteventsaz.com
Gigantic Halloween Block Party encompassing several Scottsdale nightspots offering a costume contest with $5,000 in cash and prizes, an on-site broadcast by KZON-FM 101.5, ghoulish drink specials all night, and live music by Punk Rock Nation, Metalhead, Money $hot, The Chadwicks, Jason and the Daggers, and more. Includes admission to Maloney's, Drinx, Martini Ranch, SIX Lounge, and DJs. 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the door.

Phoenix Little Theatre100 East McDowell Road
Scorpius Dance Theatre presents A Vampire Tale, a captivatingly lurid production concerning the dark seduction of an innocent young woman into the shadowy underworld of the undead. Also runs Saturday, October 29, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. both days. $20. (Attendees dressed as vampires get $5 off.) Call 602-254-2151.

Phoenix Symphony Hall225 East Adams Street
Guest conductor Michael Krajewski leads the Phoenix Symphony for "Trick or Treat," a frighteningly enjoyable program featuring such creepy classics as Funeral March of a Marionette, Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, andBach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor. 8 p.m. Also runs at 8 p.m. Saturday, October 29, and 3 p.m. Sunday, October 30. $18 to $63. Call 602-495-1999.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort7677 North 16th Streetwww.pointehilton.com
Pumpkins at the Peak at the Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch with trick-or-treat stations, arts and crafts booths, goblin grub and witches' brew. 5 to 7 p.m. $5 (or a donation of two canned-good items per person). Call 602-997-2626.

South Mountain Environmental Education Center10409 South Central Avenue
Haunted Hayride with horse-drawn wagon rides through Box Canyon, as well as ghost stories and other adventures. Runs 6 to 8:30 p.m. daily through Sunday, October 30. $2, $1 for children 12 and under. Call 602-438-2928.

Wet Paint203 East Seventh Street, Tempewww.wetpaintaz.com
Halloween-themed gallery show in conjunction with Final Friday in downtown Tempe, featuring the artwork of such Alpha Monster artists as Baron Gordon and Adam Dumper, music from local DJs, live graffiti art demonstrations, and b-boy dancing from Mellowdrama and the Phunky Phoenicians. 7 p.m. Free. Call 480-967-2002.

The Wrigley Mansion2501 East Telawa Trailwww.wrigleymansionclub.com
A Wicked Night at the Wrigley with music by The Scones, EastonAshe, and local DJs, a live remote by MIX 96.9, a costume contest for prizes, food and drink specials, psychics, fortune tellers, and tarot-card readers. 21 and over. 8 p.m. $45. Call 602-553-7382.

Anderson's Fifth Estate6820 East Fifth Avenue, Scottsdalewww.a5e.net
Wild Kingdom Halloween with a coronation of costumes at midnight, and music from The Reign Kings. 9 p.m. $5. Call 480-994-4168.

Arizona Beach Club430 North Scottsdale Road, Tempewww.arizonabeachclub.com
Ghouls Gone Wild party with $1,500 in cash prizes for the sexiest costumes, drink specials, music by the Rock Hotties, and the DJ Divas spinning Top 40, R&B, house, and hip-hop. 9 p.m. $5 for 21 and over, $10 for 18 and over. Call 480-446-3100.

The Big Bang501 South Mill Avenue, Tempewww.thebigbangbar.com
Costume contest for more than $200 in prizes, live music from the dueling pianos, and Bacardi drink specials. 8 p.m. $6 (free for those in costume). Call 480-557-5595.

Haunted House 7340 with $500 in cash prizes for the sexiest and best costumes, as well as music from special guest DJs Boy George, Dean Millward, and Marc Vedo. 9 p.m. Call 480-970-5000 for cover.

Padlock998 East Indian School Roadwww.padlockaz.com
Things will get pretty kinky at Dante's Inferno Leather Hell Weekend with demonstrations involving fire play, hot wax, leather and electricity, in addition to hourly shot specials and a wet undies contest. Continues on Saturday, October 29; Sunday, October 30; and Monday, October 31. 9 p.m. each day. No cover. Call 602-266-5640.

The Real Bar5014 South Price Road, Tempewww.therealbar.com
Combination Halloween and CD release party for Mourning Maxwell, with additional live music by Fivespeed, Ember Coast, Captain Squeegee and the Soap Suds, And The Hero Fails, March Against Fear, and Swindel, as well as prizes for best costume, and a free CD with admission. 7 p.m. $7 under 21, $5 over 21. Call 480-897-1466.

The Sets93 East Southern Avenue, Tempewww.thesets.com
Black Friday Halloween Fantasy Ball with a costume contest, bondage and fetish fashion show, tarot-card readers, and spankings from the Arizona Roller Derby girls, as well as performances by Sourmind, Auralast, The Cheeky Monkeys, the Strange Family Circus, and others. 8 p.m. 21 and over. $10 before 10 p.m., $20 thereafter, and $75 for VIP room. Call 602-953-2728.

Tupelo Tap Room1615 West Camelback Roadwww.tupelotaproom.com
Halloween party with costume contest for prizes, drink specials, and music from Dephinger, The Mongoloids, and The Irish Brothers. 8 p.m. $5 cover. Call 602-274-1513.

Axis/Radius7340 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdalewww.axis-radius.com
Fifth annual Ghost Ball, presented in conjunction with Suede, with performances by the headbangers of Metal Ikon, '80s cover band Fast Times, and five DJs, and a costume contest with $3,000 in cash prizes. 8 p.m. $20. Call 480-970-1112.

Desert Schools Coyotes Center15829 North 83rd Avenue, Peoriawww.desertschoolscoyotescenter.com
Halloween Chiller Night with live music by Downward Dog, raffles, and a costume contest for prizes. 7 p.m. $12 per person or $40 for a family of four (with $7 for each additional person), which includes skate rental, Sbarros coupon, two free raffle tickets, four arcade tokens, and five ride passes. Call 623-334-1200.

Fear Farm99th Avenue and McDowell Roadwww.fearfarm.com
Devils Night Out II with live music from Woodpile, Tragedy, Intrinzik, Keno G, Nitemare, Lunacy, Children of the Night, Subheroes, and more. 6:30 p.m. Free. Call 623-936-4598.

Mountain Temple Center1533 East Lupine Avenuewww.mountaintemple.com
Samhain ritual and Halloween costume party with hallowed dancing, haunted music, and a potluck dinner. No costume? Don't worry -- clothing is optional. 18 and over. Party starts at 7 p.m., and the ritual is at 9 p.m. $5. Call 602-678-0644.

The Paper Heart750 Grand Avenuewww.thepaperheart.com
Fourth annual Noche de los Muertos Halloween Bash with live music by Autopsy Report, Anzaldua, and 8th Day, as well as an audience-judged costume contest, Día de los Muertos artwork and altars in the gallery, and ghost stories and dark prose by slam poet The Klute and performance artist Jeff Falk. 8 p.m. $5. Call 602-262-2020.

Samurai Comics10720 West Indian School Roadwww.samuraicomics.com
Halloween cosplay (costume play) contest with such prizes as a $100 gift certificate and DVDs (judging at 5 p.m.), in addition to anime trivia and other games throughout the day. Noon. Free. Call 623-872-8886.

The Trunk Space1506 Grand Avenuewww.thetrunkspace.com
Special Halloween showcase with live music from the underground L.A. punk band Radioactive Chickenheads, Haunted Cologne, Arch Bishop Jason Poland, Class Act, and Echoing Blue, as well as a costume contest. 8 p.m. to midnight. $5. Call 602-256-6006.

Bars and Clubs -- Saturday, October 29:

Ain't Nobody's Bizness3031 East Indian School Road, Suite 7www.aintnobodysbizness-az.com
Costume contest for cash prizes (with the winners being announced at 11 p.m.), DJ Tsunami spinning hip-hop, and $2 U-call-its from 10 p.m. to midnight on drinks up to $5. Under 21 pay $5, and over 21 are free. 9 p.m. Call 602-224-9977.

Alice Cooper'stown101 East Jackson Streetwww.alicecooperstown.com
Monsters of the Mic Halloween Party with live music from Ben Araiza, and TWIG. 8 p.m. $8. Call 602-253-7337.

Anderson's Fifth Estate6820 East Fifth Avenue, Scottsdalewww.a5e.net
Saturday Night Live Halloween Party with costume contest for prizes ($100 for first place, $50 for second, and gift certificates for third), 2-for-1 drinks until 10 p.m., hourly shot specials, and a live remote by MIX 96.9. 7 p.m. $5. Call 480-994-4168.

Arizona Beach Club430 North Scottsdale Road, Tempewww.arizonabeachclub.com
Haunted Beach House Party, with $3,000 in cash prizes for the sexiest, scariest, and funniest costumes, as well as DJ Greggy D from KISS FM spinning Top 40, R&B, and hip-hop. 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. $5 for 21 and over, $10 for 18 and over. Call 480-446-3100.

Big Fish Pub1954 East University Drive, Tempe
For the Record Freak Show with music by Redfield, Bleed the Reason, and the U.K.'s Robert, Chip & Tom, as well as $3 Jäger Bombers. 7 p.m. $5 with costume, $8 without. Call 480-966-5010.

BS West7125 East Fifth Avenue, Scottsdalewww.bswest.com
Solid Gold Halloween drag and dancing showcase hosted by Dionne "Devina" Warwick and featuring live singing and lip-synching by a bevy of female illusionists like Cliftina and Misseyal, as well as a costume contest. 7 p.m. $20. Call 480-945-9028.

Cruisin' 7th3702 North Seventh Streetwww.ourc7.com
Costume contest for various prizes ($100 for first, $50 for second, and a bottle of champagne and three cocktails for third) plus a drag show by Regina & Friends. 10:30 p.m. No cover. Call 602-212-9888.

Dave's Place2710 West Bell Road, Suite 1288
Halloween party with prizes for best costume, and food and drink specials. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 602-866-9898.

Dos Gringos Trailer Park1001 East Eighth Street, Tempewww.dosgringosaz.com
Head south of the border for this Halloween fiesta with a costume contest ($200 for first place and $200 for sexiest costume), $2 Coronas, $3 Gringoritas, $3 Donkey Punch, and full menu until 2 a.m. 5 p.m. No cover. Call 480-968-7879.

The Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant3841 East Thunderbird Roadwww.dublinerpub.com
Halloween party with prizes for best costumes, promotional giveaways, and live entertainment by Tony Cummins. 9 p.m. No cover. Call 602-867-0984.

E-Lounge4343 North Seventh Avenuewww.eloungephx.com
E-VIL Halloween party with a costume contest for cash prizes ($100 for first place, $50 for second place, $25 for third), drink specials on Bud Light $4 e-Railers, and DJ Domenica spins hip-hop and dance music. 21 and over. 8 p.m. $3 cover if not in costume. Call 602-279-0388.

Fibber Magees1989 West Elliot Road, Chandlerwww.fibbermageespub.com
Get your Irish up at this Halloween party offering a Guinness hockey jersey and a $50 gift certificate to the winner of its costume contest, in addition to music by The Scones, and $3 Kronenberg and Stella Artois pints. 9 p.m. $2 cover, free if in costume. Call 480-722-9434.

Graham Central Station7850 South Priest Drive, Tempewww.grahamcentralstationtempe.com
Take a shot at the $1,500, winner-take-all costume contest, and enjoy 25-cent well, wine and longnecks from 6 to 9 p.m. No cover with costume before 8 p.m. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-496-4336.

Harold's Corral6895 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creekwww.haroldscorral.com
Halloween party with costume contests with a $125 cash prize and $50 gift certificate for the winners in four categories (scariest, funniest, most creative, and judges' pick), as well as promotional giveaways from the Bailey's and Stoli Girls, and live music by Mogollon. 8 p.m. $3 cover, or free if you come in costume. Call 480-488-1906.

Homme138 West Camelback Roadwww.phoenixhomme.com
Seven Deadly Sins charity fund raiser with all seven rooms of this swanky lounge representing a specific sin, as well as drink and shot specials throughout the night, live entertainment, and a costume contest for prizes. Continues on Sunday, October 30. 8 p.m. each day. $5. Call 602-266-0875.

Iguana Mack's1371 North Alma School Road, Chandlerwww.iguanamacks.com
Compete in several costume contests for gift certificates while enjoying drink specials and live music from Sunburn. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 480-899-6735.

Jugheads5110 East McDowell Road
Punk Rock Halloween Bash with music from TripLever, Blind Seven, Exiled, and Power Slave, along with a costume contest, prize raffles, and drink specials. 8:30 p.m. $6. Call 602-225-0307.

Last Exit Bar and Grill1425 West Southern Avenue, Tempe
Halloween party with a costume contest for prizes, and live music by The Black Moods, Mossy Rocks, and Kingfish Fiasco. 9 p.m. $5. Call 480-557-6656.

Margarita Rocks410 South Mill Avenue, Tempewww.margaritarocks.com
Costume contest with more than $2,000 in cash and prizes with the crowd deciding the winners, DJ Steel spinning Top 40, and $2 Heineken and Heineken Light and $2 SKYY products from 5 to 11 p.m. Continues on Monday, October 31. Runs until 2 a.m. each night. No cover. Call 480-968-3301.

McDuffy's Peoria15814 North 83rd Avenue, Peoriawww.mcduffys.com
Third annual Halloween party with DJs, dancing, drink specials and a costume contest. Also runs on Monday, October 31. 8 p.m. each day. Ladies free, $5 for guys. Call 623-334-5000.

McDuffy's Tempe230 West Fifth Street, Tempewww.mcduffys.com
Sophistikatz presents the Bash on Ash Costume Ball promising a fashion show previewing its "sexy, trendy and unique styles," a costume contest with a $100 grand prize, DJs, and drink specials like $2 Long Island iced teas and domestic drafts. 9 p.m. to midnight. $15 at the door, $10 for costumed partygoers, and $7 before 10 p.m. Call 866-214-6545.

Pattie's 1st Ave. Lounge7220 East First Avenue, Scottsdale
Halloween Drunk Tank Party with a costume contest, drink specials, and local DJs spinning rock and hip-hop. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Also runs Sunday, October 30, and Monday, October 31. No cover each night. Call 480-990-0103.

Shady's2701 East Indian School Road
Costume contest with cash prizes. Also runs Monday, October 31. 7 p.m. both days. No cover. Call 602-956-8998.

Sluggo's Sports Grill161 North Centennial Way, Mesa
Costume party and contest with cash prizes for the best dressed male, female, and couple, as well as live music from Lagerfield, and lots of drink specials (including $2.50 Coronas, Corona Lights, and Pacificos). 7 p.m. No cover. Call 480-844-8448.

Upper Deck Sports Grill4224 North Craftsman Court, Scottsdalewww.upperdecksportsgrill.com
Dead or Alive Party with music by T.A.T.E. and a costume contest for prizes ($100 for first place, $50 for second place, gift certificates for third). 8 p.m. $2. Call 480-941-9333.

Events and Happenings -- Sunday, October 30:

Counter Culture Café2330 East McDowell Roadwww.countercultureaz.com
Get a Halloween java jump-start while enjoying music from Andrew Jackson Jihad and four other bands. $5. Call 602-231-0762.

Four Peaks Brewing Co. 1340 East Eighth Street, Suite 104, Tempewww.fourpeaks.com
Eighth annual pumpkin-carving contest with judging at 9 p.m. and such prizes as tee shirts and a keg of Four Peaks signature Pumpkin Porter. Darth Vader and Pumpkin Porter Man will also make an appearance. 6 p.m. No cover. Call 480-303-9967.

E-Lounge4343 North Seventh Avenuewww.eloungephx.com
E-VIL Halloween party with a costume contest for cash prizes ($100 for first place, $50 for second place, $25 for third), drink specials on Bud Light $4 e-Railers, and DJ Domenica spins hip-hop and dance music. 21 and over. 10 p.m. Call 602-279-0388 for cover.

Greenway Village Cocktail Lounge3143 East Greenway Road
This northeast Valley nightspot offers prizes for best costume, and food and drink specials. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 602-971-5523.

Harley's 23032303 East Indian School Road
Huge costume contest with three categories -- most original, funniest, and best female illusionist -- with cash prizes ($100 for first, $50 for second, and $25 for third) in each category, and DJ FX spinning progressive house. 10 p.m. No cover. Call 602-954-0455.

Karamba Nightclub1724 East McDowell Roadwww.karambanightclub.com
Diamond presents her spectacular drag show, alongside a costume contest with prizes for the best three costumes and a $2 pitcher beer bust. Time TBA. Call 602-254-0231 for cover.

Paco Paco3045 North 16th Streetwww.paco-paco.com
Drag yourself to this gender-bending Halloween celebration with a performance by female impersonator Fabiola and a costume contest for cash prizes. 8 p.m. Call 602-263-8424 for cover.

Four White Walls1023 Grand Avenuewww.fourwhitewalls.net
Horror Rock Halloween Costume Party with music from Night Wolf, Haunted Cologne, Monster, The Dietrichs, and Calabrese, as well as a costume contest and free trick-or-treat bags. 7 p.m. $5. Call 602-705-4936.

Hollywood Alley2610 West Baseline Road, Mesawww.hollywoodalleyrocks.com
Halloween Masquerade with The Elegy Machine and four other bands, as well as "the cheapest drinks in town." 9 p.m. $5. Call 480-820-7117.

Pattie's 1st Ave. Lounge7220 East First Avenue, Scottsdale
Get your groove on with a costume contest for prizes, and drink specials, while DJ Alvarez spins hip-hop and Top 40. 8 p.m. No cover. Call 480-990-0103.

Rhythm Room1019 East Indian School Roadwww.rhythmroom.com
"Very Special Halloween Concert" with The Tubes and Fee Waybill. 6:30 p.m. $36 to $38. Call 602-265-4842.

Tranzylvania (inside Palazzo)710 North Central Avenuewww.tranzylvania.net
Vamp out at the Drop Dead Sexy Halloween Party with DJs spinning dark industrial and trance, as well as a grand-prize drawing for accommodations for 10 at the Red Garter Bed and Bakery in Williams, Arizona. 10 p.m. $7. Call 602-229-1150.